- The University of Calabar's first female SUG President, Blessing Alims, appointed 50 individuals as her aides
- Netizens have reacted, with many criticising the appointments as a sample of the larger society
- Similarly, Comrade Abasifreke Benson, the SUG President at Akwa Ibom State University, appointed no fewer than 30 aides
The University of Calabar's first female SUG President, Blessing Alims, who was elected on June 14, 2024, has appointed 50 individuals as her aides.
The appointments were officially confirmed in a letter dated August 1, 2024, and signed by Alims.
The letter stated that the appointments will take effect immediately following screening and confirmation by the Senate.
The letter also provided a list of the 50 aides, including their names and positions.
Netizens have reacted to this development, with many criticising the appointments as excessive and a sample of the larger society.
Netizens react to Alims’ appointments of 50 aides
“Upcoming Nigeria Politician 👏👏👏,” Royal Shine stated.
“A university is a reflection of the larger society. So, madam president is only following the precedence,” Moses AZ added.
“I don't think it's enough. 70 or 100 will be better,” Ecclesiastes 9:11 tweeted.
“She for also get Chief of Defense Staff na,” Liquid Bones added.
“Imagine being the president na like 5000 aids she go get be that o,”
Fashola Abiola commented.
“She don turn am to girls scout,” Stan tweeted.
SUG President at AKSU appointed not less than 30 aides
Similarly, in 2023, Comrade Abasifreke Benson, the President of the Students’ Union at Akwa Ibom State University, appointed not less than 30 aides.
The list of appointments features positions such as Chief of Staff, Chief Press Secretary, Chief Security Officer, and eight Special Assistants dedicated to media and publicity, among other roles.
Human rights lawyer Effiong reacts to Benson’s aides
Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong reacted to the development, saying, “His Excellency, the President, and Commander-in-Chief of the Students’ Union Government, Akwa Ibom State University, Comrade Abasifreke Benson, has very important information for the general public. I missed a lot that year when I served as President of the Students’ Representatives Council (SRC), Nigerian Law School, Lagos Campus, without a single aide,”
“What will the President of the Union then be doing in view of this long list of “appointees and aides?” His Excellency forgot to appoint a Senior Special Adviser and a Special Adviser on Legal Matters,”
“There is a terrible political culture that has evolved in Akwa Ibom State; the culture of seeing ‘political appointments’ and proximity to power as the beginning and the end of life. This destructive political culture has infested higher institutions and is very sad.”
NELFUND: Federal Government approves disbursement of student loan to successful applicants
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Federal Government had given the go-ahead for the disbursement of student loans.
The report compiled reactions from netizens concerning the official release of NELFUND concerning the loan disbursement.
